Transparent PEG-Fibrin Gel as a Flexible Tool for Cell Encapsulation

The aim of this study was to modify the chemical structure and to optimize the composition of the fibrin gel for effective cell encapsulation.

Materials and Methods. We prepared PEGylated fibrin gels using different fibrinogen concentrations (25–50 mg/ml) and PEG-fibrinogen molar ratio 10:1 and 5:1 and characterized them via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Within the gels, we encapsulated primary culture of fibroblasts and analyzed using light and laser confocal microscopy.

Results. PEGylation of fibrinogen allowed us to achieve the gel transparency and preserve its biocompatibility. We revealed that the gel prepared from PEGylated 5:1 fibrinogen (25 mg/ml) provided the most favorable microenvironment for spreading, growth, and proliferation of fibroblasts. This PEG-fibrin gel can be used for encapsulation of different cell types that is essential for various approaches in tissue engineering and diagnostic systems.

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Shpichka A.I., Revkova V.A., Aksenova N.A., Yusubalieva G.M., Kalsin V.A., Semenova E.F., Zhang Y., Baklaushev V.P., Timashev P.S. Transparent PEG-Fibrin Gel as a Flexible Tool for Cell Encapsulation. Sovremennye tehnologii v medicine 2018; 10(1): 64, https://doi.org/10.17691/stm2018.10.1.08